The Benue State Government has announced free education for all pupils in government-owned public schools from Basic One to Basic Nine, marking a major step toward strengthening access to education across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia made the declaration on Friday during the maiden Benue Basic Education Summit held at the College of Health Sciences, Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi.
According to the governor, the policy reflects his administration’s firm commitment to ensuring that no child of school age is denied access to quality basic education.
He explained that the initiative is designed to ease the burden on poor and vulnerable families while laying a strong educational foundation for the state’s future leaders.
Governor Alia highlighted key reforms already implemented in the education sector, including:
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Recruitment of over 9,700 teachers
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Regular payment of teachers’ salaries
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Implementation of the harmonised retirement age for teachers
He urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support the enforcement of compulsory basic education, emphasizing that Benue’s future depends on investing in its children today.
To further address the issue of out-of-school children, the governor also launched a new initiative titled Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP).
The BRACE-UP programme will:
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Mobilise community leaders, parents, and teachers
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Identify and reintegrate out-of-school children
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Provide flexible learning pathways
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Track pupils from enrolment to completion
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained funding and strong policy backing in line with the Universal Basic Education framework.
This move positions Benue as one of the states taking bold steps toward expanding educational access and securing a brighter future for the next generation.
